Veteran's Information

Traci Osterberg, Associate Registrar and USF School Certifying Official

Email: Traci.Osterberg@usiouxfalls.edu

Phone: 605-331-6657

Carissa Koerner, Associate Director of Financial Aid

Email: Carissa.Koerner@usiouxfalls.edu

Phone: 605-331-6621

Sarah.VanderBeke, Student Accounts Coordinator

Email: Sarah.VanderBeke@usiouxfalls.edu 

Phone: 605-331-6640

For students receiving Chapter 30, Chapter 1606, Chapter 1607, or VRAP benefits: During the last week of each month students are enrolled, they must call 1-888-GI Bill-1 (1-888-442-4551) to verify monthly attendance. This phone call prompts payment to be sent to students. It's students' responsibility to use this payment to pay tuition at USF. The first payment each semester is received 30 days after the start of the semester or later based on the workload and processing time of the VA.

For students receiving Chapter 33 Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits: Students will verify enrollment via text or email.  Students who choose to opt in for text message verification will receive a text at the end of each month and must reply "YES".  If students opt out of text messages, they will be automatically enrolled in email verification where they will receive an email on the last day of each month where they will need to select a response. Payments for Chapter 33 students are paid directly to USF.

Education and non-education veteran's benefits are reported differently on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  It is students' responsibility to keep their USF student billing account in good standing with any payments received directly by students.

USF Federal School Code: 003469

The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) can be completed at any time during the academic year. For consideration of limited funds, our priority deadline is January 1st.  Applications can be completed via this link, https://www.usiouxfalls.edu/financial-aid/apply-for-aid. 

Tuition Costs and other fees can be found here: https://www.usiouxfalls.edu/financial-aid/tuition-and-costs.

Please contact the Financial Aid office for assistance in using your Federal Financial Aid or VA Benefits to purchase your books on the E-campus Bookstore.

Eligibility: Soldiers eligible for TA must have successfully completed one year of service following graduation from Advanced Individual Training (AIT).  All soldiers must have ten years of service to receive graduate-level TA if any portion of their undergraduate degree was paid through TA.

Steps: Soldiers interested in receiving TA funding must begin by connecting with an Educational Services Officer (ESO) or counselor with the Military Service for approval and next steps. 

TA Requests must be submitted and approved before the start date of classes, without exception.

Payments: Each service has its own criteria for eligibility, obligated service, application process and restrictions.  TA funds are usually paid directly to USF by the individual services.

Refund: In the event a student drops or is unable to complete a course please refer to USF's Refund Calendar.  Refund percentages are determined by the program and length of course.

• Students must inform the USF VA Certifying Officer of any withdraw or change in registration.
• Proper notification is required to avoid an overpayment situation.

The University of Sioux Falls wants to minimize inconveniences and disruptions that may be caused when service members are called to active military duty.  The following policy became effective for enrolled students on September 1, 2001.

• Any student (or any student who is the spouse of a deployed service member who has a dependent child) called to active duty may withdraw from all courses and receive a 100% refund of tuition and fees. Grades of "W" will be assigned.
• If the student is called to active duty after mid-term and if time permits, the student may request permission from their instructor(s) to receive an incomplete in the course.  No refund would be issued.
• A copy of the student's orders must be provided to the Office of the Registrar with a signed letter indicating whether the student is withdrawing or requesting incomplete grades.
• Students receiving financial aid will be subject to the refund policies for the agencies sponsoring the aid.
• Refunds for room and board will be for unused portions only.

Students planning to return to USF after withdrawing can do so by completing the Returning Student Form.  Service members will be re-admitted with the same academic status as when last attending. 

The Thomas Kilian Academic Success Center (ASC) provides students free support services in Academic Coaching, Counseling Services, Learning Accessibility Services, Tutoring, and Career Services.

Email: ASC@usiouxfalls.edu

Phone: 605-331-6740

1. Complete forms in a timely manner.
2. Call, text, or email and verify enrollment promptly the end of each month.
3. Communication with all parties/offices involved.
4. Be informed. Visit www.gibill.va.gov and www.vba.va.gov
5. The VA file number is that of the person who actually served in the military. This may not always be the same as the student depending on the chapter of benefits.